Kyle Willats – Full MPG Member

How would you define your main role on most of the projects you work on at the moment?

Producer.

Please tell us a bit about your musical background. How did you get started in the music industry? What was your pathway to your current role?

Since I was 7 years old, I could play music. I started off at a charity in Harwich, Essex called We Are Music who offer fully funded music lessons to children and young people. From leaving school with no aspirations or direction, they kick started off my career in Studio Engineering at Hamford Studio. Giving me a studio to work out of with all the glitz and glam and getting to learn from the likes of Cenzo Townshend, Robert Sellens and Camden Clarke (Of Decoy Studios). I also had the honour of working alongside Adrian Bushby, who gave me an incredible insight into engineering, especially mixing drums!

After 6 Years of Engineering I decided to venture into Production. Considering I can play a variety of instruments and with my previous years DJing I was able to create and compose many different genres. Including, UK Garage, House, Trance, DnB, 70’s/80’s Funk, Soul, Disco, Rock ‘n Roll, Reggae and Ska.

Apart from the variety of genres, I mix everything as they would’ve done 30, 40, 50 years ago. That’s my niche! You have vintage-modern but I like to do it all old school. Including Tape! (I love tape) Punchy, Big and Nostalgic. I do have to use a modern DAW though so I have to be somewhat modern.

What or who inspired you to follow this path?

Since a young age I was a massive fan of Michael Jackson. I loved his music and I loved watching his past performances. As I grew older and started to learn more about the music industry, I discovered the legendary Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton. These two producers in particular have had a huge impact on my career so far and the music that I create.

At 15 years old I researched and studied the music industry. I was finding so many interesting and unique artists/bands. Two prime examples are TOTO & 10cc. Again, these bands have a huge influence on my music and work.

Are there any highlights from your work that you are particularly proud of?

I work with many upcoming bands. Small bands helping them get ‘their sound’ but I don’t think I could single out one project I have worked on that I’m particularly proud of. Every project of mine or another artists that I have worked with I am proud of all my projects and how far I have come considering 6 years ago, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I am privileged to have worked with the different bands/artists and engineers over the years.

What’s one tip you can share with other MPG members that could help their workflow?

As an engineer: Less is more and know when to stop, my issue was that I had to find my ear for it. There’s only so much another engineer or producer can teach you. Grow yourself.

As a producer: Find your market. As a producer you sell your work so find your niche. Why do artists go to certain producers? Is it because of who they have worked with or is it because they can make you sound exactly how you want?

What’s one tip you would like an MPG member to share with you? 

Dave Pensado: How did you learn to mix so many different genres?

Do you have any words of wisdom for people wanting to get into a similar music production role to yours?

Know what you want to do in the music industry before you throw yourself in the deep end of something you’re not entirely passionate about. You’ve got to have the drive and dedication as it’s not an overnight thing!